Mayo farmers facing fodder pressures urged to avail of ACRES force majeure process
Minister of State Alan Dillon has encouraged Mayo farmers participating in the ACRES Geese and Swans Action who are experiencing fodder difficulties, to engage with the Department of Agriculture regarding the force majeure process.
Following engagement with farmers across Mayo who have raised concerns about winter fodder supplies and increasing input costs, Minister Dillon said he discussed the issue with his colleague, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon.
Minister Dillon said: “Farmers have been very clear with me about the pressures they are facing around fodder availability and winter feed costs. Following my engagement with Minister Heydon, I welcome confirmation that farmers who require forage from ACRES Geese and Swans lands for their own livestock can have their individual circumstances considered under force majeure provisions.
“Importantly, Minister Heydon has also confirmed that he is engaging with the European Commission to determine whether cases where the ACRES action cannot be fully delivered due to genuine fodder necessity can be covered under EU force majeure provisions. This is a practical and common-sense approach that recognises the challenges many farm families are facing.
“This flexibility could be of significant benefit to eligible farmers, helping to ease feed pressures and providing reassurance as farmers plan for the winter months ahead. I would strongly encourage anyone experiencing fodder difficulties to contact the Department as early as possible.”
Farmers should contact the Department before taking any action on lands covered by the ACRES Geese and Swans Action by emailing Geese&swans@agriculture.gov.ie. Alternatively, farmers can contact the Department by posting a letter to ACRES Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford (Eircode Y35 PN52).
The key conditions are as follows: Applications will be considered on a farm-by-farm basis; forage must be required for the farmer's own livestock; cases may be subject to inspection; the provision does not apply to forage harvested for sale or export from the farm.
Minister Dillon concluded: “The priority now is to ensure that farmers are aware a process exists, and that support is available. Any Mayo farmer experiencing genuine fodder difficulties should engage with the Department as soon as possible so their circumstances can be considered.”